Stevie Wonder History

Stevie Wonder Inducted into Apollo ...

*Stevie Wonder took his place in Apollo history Monday night as he was honored during the famed theater’s spring gala with induction into the Legends Hall of Fame, which includes Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown.

Though Wonder was the main attraction, the audience was also wowed as he collaborated with a cast of friends and admirers including Tony Bennett, Chick Corea, Paul Shaffer and Doug E. Fresh, reports the AP.

“It’s a moment to cherish and remember, relishing in the memories of the times that I’ve been at the Apollo, as well as this night, the great people that came out to support me being here,” Wonder said in an interview. “It’s a great thing to be one of those people in the Hall of Fame for the Apollo.”

Bennett presented the honor to Wonder, who in turn lauded the legendary crooner for his commitment to the Apollo and to civil-rights causes.

“As much as I may never see the color of his skin, I’m able to feel the color of his spirit,” Wonder told the audience. “When it was not fashionable to hang out with the brothers and sisters, you did.”

He then recalled Bennett singing one of Wonder’s signature songs “For Once in My Life.” As Wonder began to sing the tune, Bennett joined in for an impromptu performance that ended with a standing ovation.

It was one of several during a concert that featured Raphael Saadiq, gospel singers Yolanda Adams and Kim Burrell, Melanie Fiona (see photo above), ?uestlove, Corea and others.

Beatboxer Fresh joined Wonder on an unusual and riveting performance of Wonder’s classic “All I Do,” while Wonder played the harmonica as Corea led on piano during a rendition of Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise.” Wonder also sang some of his other classics as well as a Barbra Streisand cover, “People.”

Wonder didn’t forget his political side during his acceptance speech, calling for better health care and criticizing those who fail to help others.

When asked about his comments, he later joked: “I just did it, I wasn’t even thinking about it. It was on my mind. I kind of did the Kanye (West) and expressed myself.”

The Apollo spring gala raised over $1.2 million. The funds will be used for its educational programs and to preserve the historic theater’s legacy, organizers said.

Rock History: Little Stevie Wonder

If you are younger and did not have the opportunity to experience the  commercial phenomenon called "the drive inn" or better known as the "submarine races", you missed something special. The drive in movie theatres were a must on the summertime teenage social calendar. On Friday or Saturday night it was the place to be with your best gal. Musically, the "passion pits" were also magic.  In 1963, very few cars, even in the deep south, had air conditioning. Therefore you might have fifty cars filled with teenagers all close to each other and with the windows down. Since we teenagers typically ran with a herd mentality we listened to the same popular radio stations. Theatre rules said no radios because everyone was supposed to be there to watch the movie. Naturally, we had them on low while dealing with the real business at hand.  Back to Stevie Wonder and that special first time I heard him. On a sweltering summer night some disc jockey in some far away town played twelve year old Little Stevie Wonder. He was playing bongoes and  harmonica while singing "Finger Tips". Some back seater yelled out "turn it up".  With that teen battle cry, almost every car in the White River Drive Inn cranked up their radios.  The Beatles didn't phase Wonder. He had hit after hit after hit. He was every bit as hot as anyone from Britain. He would stay on top as long as he wanted. He was and is a fantastic writer, arranger, producer, singer, multiple instrument wizard and band leader. The only reason Stevie's hits stopped coming after many, many years was because he stopped making them. I honestly believe if he wanted to go back to his usual hard working self he could be producing number ones again any time he wanted. Stevie Wonder's talent has no limits. I am not going to try to list all his awards or accomplishments. I am going to link you to the appropriate sites and let you read the huge list yourself. However, I think he may have been the most successful of the rock era musicians. If not, I don't who it could be. He won every kind of lifetime achievement award available. He won twenty or so Grammy's, had a gillion Top 10 hits, you name it, he's done it.

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